Offbeat: Aimpoint Micro T-2

Years ago I attended my first carbine course with a carbine equipped only with iron sights. Being somewhat of a Luddite, I had completely bought into the argument that red dot sights (RDS) were not only fragile, but their batteries would go dead when you needed them most.

As the saying goes, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

Aimpoint launched the Comp M4 in 2007. I bought one and was impressed with its energy efficiency: eight plus years on a single inexpensive AA battery—that’s longer than most people own a vehicle. My M4 took up permanent residence on my “go to” carbine. I leave the sight on constantly, on setting eight, and change the batteries only when I have a notion to.

Also in 2007, Aimpoint introduced the Micro T-1. I handled a few but was reluctant to believe such a small, lightweight sight would hold up to rigorous use. Apparently, I still didn’t know what I didn’t know, and the reputation of the Micro T-1 speaks for itself. Its long battery life, compact size, and durability have made it a top choice of military and law enforcement. I now have two T-1 sights. One resides on a SIG 716 and the other on a .450 Bushmaster.

Micro T-2 with 39mm riser and LRP quick-release base attached.

Not a company to rest on its laurels, and based on feedback from end users, Aimpoint launched the Micro T-2 in October 2014. Although it resembles the T-1 in size, the T-2 is a completely new design. It does not use the easily lost bikini covers of the T-1 but incorporates protective flip-up covers. Both the front and rear lenses of the covers are clear, so the sight can be employed with the covers in place. It will also accept anti-reflective devices. The new housing is more robust than the T-1’s and offers more protection to the adjustment turrets as well as to the sight’s interior electronics.

Most important, however, is the enhanced optical performance the T-2 offers. A newly designed front lens coating increases the clarity and light transmission of the Micro T-2. Regardless of what angle or conditions, the shooter is able to get on target rapidly and accurately.

According to Brian Lisankie, president of Aimpoint Inc, “In terms of the optical components, the Micro T-2 takes the level of performance available from a compact sight to an entirely new level. It also provides features and performance formerly available only in much larger optics.”

Advanced Circuit Efficiency Technology (ACET) allows the sight to run in constant-on mode for 50,000 hours (over five years) at setting eight on a single, readily available CR2032 battery.

As on Micro T-1, protrusions on turret cover can be used as a field-expedient device to change windage and elevation.

The T-2 has a 2 MOA dot. The clicks in the adjustment turrets are positive and can be felt and heard. Each click has a value of ½ MOA. Operating levels include four night-vision compatible settings and eight daylight settings, one of which is extra bright.

The T-2 can be mounted on any weapon that uses a Picatinny rail, though the standard mount is a bit low for AR-type rifles. I obtained the 39mm riser so it will co-witness with iron sights in the lower half of the reticle. I also acquired the LRP quick-release throw lever base, which allows it to be easily changed from one weapon to another.

To begin with, I mounted the Micro T-2 on a Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) M4 carbine, Mod 2, noting which rail slot it was in. Next I mounted the T-2 on the CMMG Mutant, noting how many clicks in elevation and windage it took to rezero on that rifle, where it stayed until I finished my evaluation of the Mutant.

Returning it to the original rail position on the BCM carbine and simply reversing the number of clicks, the sight returned to zero.